Head Spinning - Newbie DSLR Purchase

[Archer]

I'm not sure I can match the quality posted above, but the shots in this album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/102686263 ... 092143046/ were taken with a D7100 and a Nikon AF-S 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF ED VR (this one: https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300-vr.htm). I prefer the 70-300 because it's a bit more portable than some f4 or f2.8 options. It's not as sharp, but provides a lot of options and room to practice, experience and grow. I have since upgraded to the Nikon 70-300mm AF-P VR FX (this one: https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp-fx.htm) but I don't have a lot of example shots on that yet.

[slogen51]

I have the above Nikon 70-300 af-p full frame lens and I like it because as you say it is very light and compact and delivers good results in good light which is basically the light you will be hoping to take your photos in.

Some minuses - it is not waterproof. It is not rugged.
Plusses - sharp , not too expensive, fast auto focus, light and nice to travel with.

[Archer]

I was pretty happy with the AF-S VR FF version, but I upgraded for a newer VR and a slightly better AF speed. The good thing is that if you're starting out, you probably won't notice this difference and you can get the AF-S VR FF version for a very good price secondhand. I've got a shoulderbag from Think Tank (the first model Retrospective 7) and this holds my body with standard lens, the 70-300 and a flash along with some other odds and ends. I have also managed to squeeze a 10-20mm in there. It means that I only have to lug around one bag and I'm set for all of my photography adventures.... not that I have all that many of these...

I would love to have a 200-500.... but my back won't like that!

[PitchAxis]

Another vote for the Nikon 70-300 AF-P FX. Reviews suggest that the FX version is the one to get even if you have a DX body. As it's your first DSLR and within the budget, I'd suggest a used D500 or D7500.

I would suggest holding off on a longer lens like the Nikon 200-500 for now. Knowing how your camera and lens work in detail and good technique is more important. Getting your first DSLR is a steep learning curve and it's worth learning how to use it without the auto modes.

[John flightpath]

Hello Micky, did you choose a camera in the end or have'nt you decided yet. I am a Canon user myself but I have a couple of Nikon bridge cameras, and I am considering a DSLR as a back up/alternative. The images through Nikon lenses are absolutely pin sharp. And with very little effort.

Cheers
John

[planehazza]

Hi all,

Another newbie here. Rather than create another thread, I've piggybacked of this one slipping into the same situation as OP, and so existing advice has been a good read for me, thank you.

The D7200 being the successor to the D7100 is quite a lot more expensive, and I think I'd prefer to go for excellent/nearly new on MBP rather than pay more for a less capable body and len(es) but new.

I don't really need or want anything crazy, but I do want a 300/400mm zoon lens for airborne jets and a smaller lens for static stuff and general holiday snaps. TBH, I have a pixel 8 pro with a 5x optical so for me it would probably suffice.

What are people's thoughts on this particular D7100? https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... ku-2446606

And this lens? https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... ku-2632884

I've left it super late, as I'd love to be able to take something to RIAT this weekend, typical me.

[Micky S]

I never managed to get a camera sorted in the end due to the finances needing to be diverted short term. However, I have to say the information and time people have provided to give advice is invaluable and very much appreciated. Hopefully get sorted soon and can’t wait for the annual trip to Fairford this weekend.

[Archer]

What are people's thoughts on this particular D7100? https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... ku-2446606

And this lens? https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... ku-2632884

Quick response: I have used that exact combination and have always been very pleased with the results. That body with that lens is a good starting point, but you will have an uphill struggle to figure out how to use it comfortably if you're going to RIAT this upcoming weekend. It should be fun though. Let us know how you get on!

[planehazza]

What are people's thoughts on this particular D7100? https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... ku-2446606

And this lens? https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... ku-2632884

Quick response: I have used that exact combination and have always been very pleased with the results. That body with that lens is a good starting point, but you will have an uphill struggle to figure out how to use it comfortably if you're going to RIAT this upcoming weekend. It should be fun though. Let us know how you get on!

Thanks. I haven't hit any purchase button yet, but I have a little experience with similar bodies and I work in IT, so navigating menus etc should be easy enough. Known what all the photography terms mean, however... Another story.

[planehazza]

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... ku-2644901

Thinking might be worth (realise this is a slippery slope) spending a smidgen more to get the D7200 which is the successor the the D7100?

That with the same 300mm lens as above?

I'm also being recommended the Canon Eos 80D too. Is this sort of on par with the nikon?

[planehazza]

Or would this be a terrible idea?

Nikon D7500 Camera Body with 18-140 mm VR Digital DSLR Kit - Black https://amzn.eu/d/0hEBQyke

[Archer]

All depends on how much you want to spend. My personal view: now is an excellent time to buy secondhand DSLRs as lots of people are moving to mirrorless and you can pick up an extremely capable camera and lens for a decent price. Because of that, I would suggest getting the D7100 and 70-300 lens. You won't notice the difference between that and the D7200/D7500 off the bat, so practice with this combo first before going for the next upgrade. The main plus on the D7500 is the WiFi connectivity (drains your battery too!) and articulating rear screen, but will you need that?

Getting a decent standard lens next to your 70-300 is also a good idea, but the D7500 kit is quite a step up in price just for that lens. Have a look at the Nikon 16-85mm lenses (https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... g-if-ed-vr), or even better: the Nikon 16-80 F2.8 which is an excellent lens and well worth getting, but more expensive (https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon ... 8-4e-ed-vr).
D7100 at £314
70-300mm at £244
Add a 16-85mm at £150 (average, there are several options)
This will give you a very capable set at a total of £708. Still cheaper than the D7500 kit. Add a spare battery and two SD cards (the D7100 has two slots) and you're good to go. And if you would like to upgrade any of the components, you could most likely sell these on without too much of a loss. The D7200 adds £160 without adding much in performance or capability (in my view). Its lower shutter count may be a reason for the higher price.

[planehazza]

I guess the reason I looked at the 7200 was because it was the successor to the 7100 and not much more in cost. The 7500 caught my attention because it does 4K video, albeit at 30fps. Not a big deal, but I would use it i I had it, and had a 33% faster shutter rate (6fps to 8fps, which I take to read as how many snaps it can take per second in continuous 'spam' mode?).

I guess, as usual, I'm getting carried away. I really just want a camera and suitable lens to take nice, sharp photos of jets in the air at RIAT. It will be entirely for memories and showing friends that can't go, so I guess I don't need anything crazy.

How 'backwards compatible' are lens and bodies? If I get a D7100/7200 and a lens, then decide I'm hooked and go for something better/newer, will I have to replace lenses too? Assuming I stay Nikon of course.

[James Cutting]

Solely depends on budget.

My advice would be to spend a bit more on decent glass, as that makes the image. 6fps v 8fps is a bit more of a jump yes, but you also need to make sure you have the right SD card for the camera to write the image to the SD card quickly too. I can't offer an opinion on Nikon, as I'm Canon

I'd say you need minimum 300mm at RIAT - Archer's recommendation looks good.

The 80D you mentioned is a fantastic camera! I use it as my second body to the 90D, combined with a 100-400mm (but looking at £1k+ alone for that lens alone second hand )

[planehazza]

Solely depends on budget.

My advice would be to spend a bit more on decent glass, as that makes the image. 6fps v 8fps is a bit more of a jump yes, but you also need to make sure you have the right SD card for the camera to write the image to the SD card quickly too. I can't offer an opinion on Nikon, as I'm Canon

I'd say you need minimum 300mm at RIAT - Archer's recommendation looks good.

The 80D you mentioned is a fantastic camera! I use it as my second body to the 90D, combined with a 100-400mm (but looking at £1k+ alone for that lens alone second hand )

Thanks. Glass means lens, right?

I can't afford to spend much and I'm not looking for crazy professional results. I think I could get by with my phone for static shots as I like (sorry if it's a bad word around here) googled computational photography and coupled with the 5x optical of the pixel 8 pro, I can get some nice shots. I have to think about spare batteries, bags, covers too which I can imagine might eat up a couple of hundred quid too.

Let's say £1k absolute max all in and I'll worry about the how later.

I have a go pro 7 so I should already have enough class 10 Micro sd 64/128GB. Do these take micro or standard sd? I have adaptors either way.

[Archer]

How 'backwards compatible' are lens and bodies? If I get a D7100/7200 and a lens, then decide I'm hooked and go for something better/newer, will I have to replace lenses too? Assuming I stay Nikon of course.

Nikon is very good at that. All F-mount lenses should fit all DSLR/SLR bodies although functionality may not be fully compatible. If you decide to move to Nikon mirrorless, you'll encounter the Z-mount, but there is an FTZ adapter that will enable you to fit F-mount lenses to a mirrorless Nikon body. Just keep in mind that the D7x00 bodies are APS-C (crop) bodies and Nikon marks specific APS-C lenses as 'DX' lenses. You will only be able to use a DX lens on a FX (full frame) body in 'crop' mode. That means that you won't use the full sensor.

The upside of buying this stuff secondhand is that it will keep its value pretty well. As I said, you could buy the set I listed above and you'll probably get a couple of hundred quid back if you sell either the body or the 70-300 again at a later stage.

Edit: they use standard SD cards. Personally I would use a full size SD card to avoid issues with the adapter, but you can indeed use a micro-SD card in an adapter, although I do not know if that impacts write speed.
Edit again: I shot these two albums on a D7100 with the 70-300mm lens you are considering. Some photos have been cropped: https://www.flickr.com/photos/102686263 ... 449122944/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/102686263 ... 092143046/

[planehazza]

Thanks! All good stuff to think about....

This is where my cart sits.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GRwDvzAHUbgKvcVFA

[Archer]

That should provide you with a very capable kit. Looking forward to the results!

[planehazza]

That should provide you with a very capable kit. Looking forward to the results!

Thanks. I'm not sure about the smaller lens, as I'm not sure if I'll need it. With this used store, how likely is it there's be hidden quirks? Broken, sticky buttons, or autofocusing servos not working? How thoroughly are they checked, or are they basically CeX for cameras?

Oh and I'll not say no to 5% off using my education work email address...

[James Cutting]

Solely depends on budget.

My advice would be to spend a bit more on decent glass, as that makes the image. 6fps v 8fps is a bit more of a jump yes, but you also need to make sure you have the right SD card for the camera to write the image to the SD card quickly too. I can't offer an opinion on Nikon, as I'm Canon

I'd say you need minimum 300mm at RIAT - Archer's recommendation looks good.

The 80D you mentioned is a fantastic camera! I use it as my second body to the 90D, combined with a 100-400mm (but looking at £1k+ alone for that lens alone second hand )

Thanks. Glass means lens, right?

I can't afford to spend much and I'm not looking for crazy professional results. I think I could get by with my phone for static shots as I like (sorry if it's a bad word around here) googled computational photography and coupled with the 5x optical of the pixel 8 pro, I can get some nice shots. I have to think about spare batteries, bags, covers too which I can imagine might eat up a couple of hundred quid too.

Let's say £1k absolute max all in and I'll worry about the how later.

I have a go pro 7 so I should already have enough class 10 Micro sd 64/128GB. Do these take micro or standard sd? I have adaptors either way.

That's right, sorry - Glass means lens! I think Archer has given you the answers you want though

If you will use your phone for statics, maybe save getting the smaller lens for now and put the funds to spare batteries, a bag, and a few SD cards (You will need them!) It seems the D7200 has compatibility for these cards - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09X7C7NCZ/ ... UTF8&psc=1 - worth grabbing during Prime Day!

MPB are really good, used them before. What you see is what you get, they now picture each item individually.